2017 in Gratitude

by Archipelagal, posted in Blog, featured

2017 – what a whirlwind.

For some unknown reason, tonight I feel the weight of a year’s worth of exhaustion. I could think of a few reasons – the unexpected noche buena cooking, competitive present wrapping, excessive Christmas pudding – who knows? It could be any of the three, or worse, (and most likely) a dangerous combination of all of them. The possibilities are endless. Either way, this has fairly contributed to this feeling of … resigned festive cheer. It’s like I’ve been grabbed by the back of my shirt and dragged through the dirt road that was 2017. I found myself saying to a friend earlier this week that I was “so done with this year.” I am only slightly ashamed by this skepticism, but I am also pretty sure that I am not alone in this sentiment.

However, I am a firm believer that the remedy for sorrow is not happiness, but gratitude.

At the end of December I like to hopelessly mull over the year’s milestones. It’s a great reality check and it keeps me grounded. My husband says that I am the most driven, yet impatient person he has ever known. His theories on this “now-oriented” mindset of mine ranges from generational gap to downright personality type. Nonetheless (and this does not mean that I agree with him!) I find that keeping track my breakthroughs – or just happy thoughts and memories – helps me focus on “the bigger picture.”

So here it is, my yearly breakthrough round-up: the little things, the big things, the soul moments that get me thinking, laughing, crying, but most importantly living 🙂

In 2017, I am endlessly grateful:

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

August

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Thank you to everyone who have made this year extraordinary – you all make this journey worthwhile. As mentioned earlier, nothing fights off my year-end blues better than finding things to be grateful for. I just realised that every year could be my year – if I make it to be. And so with this, 2018, I embrace you with a expectant heart and a relentless spirit!

Your Archipelagal
C

Hi there! Thank you very much for taking time to read my first post for 2018. I am curious as to what end of the year “rituals” or observances you and/or your family/friends have? I would love to hear about them and how you feel they affect you in terms of preparing for the coming year 🙂

You can get in touch by leaving a comment below, leaving a message on my contact page, or by simply sending an email to archipelagal@gmail.com.

37 thoughts on “2017 in Gratitude”

  2. I agree you have a beautiful blog post here. My family’s focus is on Christmas Eve, but a quiet New Year’s Eve isn’t overlooked.

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  3. I’m sort of with you on the Christmas weariness– It’s been a busy one! So I love your idea of a year of gratitude!! I’m off to make my own list. thanks. Fun fun to find your blog!

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    1. Hi Rhonda, thank you very much for dropping by my blog. The thankful heart is such a rare find nowadays. Ditto on finding your blog, please do let me know if you’ve written up your own list 🙂

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  8. I can definitely identify with the feelings of “I’m so done with this year”. I was feeling that late November, early December and alot in December. (I was also done with people telling me to stop being so negative! Haha) I am glad that life’s rollercoaster has brought you to the end of the year with optimism though. I wish you all the best for 2018 😊

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    1. Hi Alice. One of the things I love about blogging is feeling affirmed that what i feel is quite often shared by others – especially negative emotions! This year I’ve really come to terms that sometimes it’s okay not to be okay, and finding things to be thankful for really helps me. I’m glad you popped along, looking forward to hearing more from you. Happy new year, cheers 💖

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  10. I love how the creativity of this post. A great way to look back over the year. I just have a pretty low key New Years. Have a few snacks, watch some Netflix, see the New Year in and go to bed! 🙂

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  11. I love the way you recapped your 2017! It really is one of the best ways to get rid of those blues, by revisiting your accomplishments or just most joyous times from the past year. Thanks so much for sharing and I may have to steal this idea for next year or in the coming months, who knows.
    Happy New Year

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    1. Hi Jason, absolutely. Any moment or chance we spend being grateful is a moment spent not being downcast 🙂 Would love to read your gratitude list in the future. Have a great year ahead 🥂

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  15. Pingback: My Top 5 Films of 2017 – Archipelagal

  18. Wow dear, your blog really amazes me! How much effort you put in your posts… You’re a true inspiration! Love it! Thanks for the follow, I followed you back of course ❤ xoxo

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